Globally, approximately 15–24% of couples face difficulties conceiving naturally, and male infertility accounts for 50% of these cases. Of male infertility cases, about half are attributed to unknown causes, referred to as idiopathic infertility. A key factor implicated in 80% of these cases is oxidative stress, driven by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage sperm cells and impair fertility. Medicinal plants, known for their antioxidant properties, are increasingly explored as alternative treatments for male infertility.
Mucuna pruriens is widely recognized for its fertility-enhancing properties, particularly due to its ability to combat ROS. However, a less-known plant, Flemingia praecox, used by indigenous communities in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India, is also believed to have beneficial effects on male fertility. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant potential of F. praecox and compare it with M. pruriens, with a focus on their roots and seeds, respectively.
The research examined the total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) of both plants, as well as their antioxidant activity using various assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, DMPD, β-carotene bleaching, and total antioxidant activity [TAA]). Additionally, the ability of the plant extracts to protect against DNA damage was assessed. The roots, stems, and leaves of both plants were tested, with synthetic antioxidants (BHA, BHT, and ascorbic acid) serving as controls. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the extracts on two male infertility enzymes, PDE5 and arginase, were investigated.
Results indicated that F. praecox exhibited superior antioxidant activity in most assays, including TFC, DPPH, TAA, ABTS, and DMPD. Conversely, M. pruriens performed better in TPC, FRAP, and DNA protection assays. Notably, F. praecox showed stronger inhibition of the PDE5 enzyme compared to M. pruriens. These findings suggest that F. praecox holds promise as an effective treatment for male infertility, supporting its traditional use by indigenous communities.
The significance of addressing male infertility extends beyond reproductive health. Studies have shown a global decline in sperm counts by 50–60% over the past six decades, a trend associated with a higher risk of conditions like cancer, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, male infertility can impact overall health and even the health of future generations. Therefore, it should be viewed as a broader health issue rather than solely a reproductive concern.
Male infertility has a multifactorial origin, involving genetic and environmental influences. Genetic factors include Y-chromosome microdeletions, mutations in genes like the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), and defects in DNA repair. Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, smoking, alcohol use, stress, and recreational drugs can also disrupt fertility, often by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or directly impairing spermatogenesis.
In most cases, the causes of male infertility remain poorly understood, classified as idiopathic infertility. Emerging research points to epigenetic factors, such as abnormal DNA methylation, non-coding RNA alterations, and histone modifications, as potential contributors. Many of these genetic and epigenetic changes are linked to oxidative stress, highlighting the critical balance between ROS and antioxidants in male fertility.
ROS, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, are generated as byproducts of oxygen metabolism. While low levels of ROS are necessary for certain reproductive processes, excessive ROS can overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses—such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione—leading to oxidative stress. This, in turn, damages sperm through lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and DNA fragmentation, contributing to infertility.
It is estimated that 80% of men with idiopathic infertility and 30–40% of men with known causes of infertility experience elevated ROS levels, a condition termed male oxidative stress infertility (MOSI). The promising aspect of oxidative stress is that it can be mitigated through antioxidant therapy, offering a potential treatment avenue for affected individuals.
In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of medicinal plants, particularly Flemingia praecox and Mucuna pruriens, in managing oxidative stress and improving male fertility. The findings support the traditional use of F. praecox in treating male infertility and encourage further exploration of its therapeutic benefits.
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